full moon crab

Dandelion’s Full Moon Chilli Crab Dinner

Legend has it that crab harvesting in the north of Australia and South East Asia was done according to the phases of the moon.

The Mud Crabs (Scylla serrata) who inhabit burrows in the inner-tidal mud of the mangrove regions, have a habit of digging deep into the mud just before the full moon illuminates the sky and makes them easy prey for predators like crocodiles.

Before this hiding occurs, the crab eats a lot and becomes heavy with meat. When the full moon turns to the waning gibbous, the crabs come up to feed, having lost condition and their flesh is rendered muddy.

So canny crab gatherers know that the best time to harvest the crabs, when they are full of meat and clean tasting, is on the waxing gibbous, two to three days before the full moon.

Our catch of crabs are priced per kilo, whole in the shell, enough for two to share OR four as main course with additional entrees. We recommend getting a big table together to enjoy a few different crabs. Price includes all vegetable side orders, rice, bibs, crackers, mallwets and refresher towels.

While they may vary every month, below is a typical menu and typical prices: